HCG Oncology has initiated the Pink Hope Patient Support Group to team up with the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies (IFHNOS) and Indian Dental Association (IDA) to create an awareness on head and neck cancer.

On the occasion of the World Head and Neck Cancer Day observed annually on July 27, the main concern for oncologists is the rising fatality of head neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

According to the 'Net-based Atlas of Cancer in India', HNSCC can be prevented or cured if detected early, but patients suffer from either from delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment and inappropriate rehabilitation. The actual burden of head and neck cancer is more than just the reported cases, which has been further depicted.

 Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world and in India constitutes 30-40 per cent of all cancers among men. The most common causes are consumption of tobacco and alcohol.

Alcohol often taken together with cigarette makes carcinogens in tobacco enter tissues easily as alcohol is an excellent solvent. Smokeless tobacco, like gutka or paan, is a major issue in India. These agents, when taken together, increase the person’s cancer risk by eight or 10 times, accounting for 90 per cent of oral cancers and 80 percent of laryngeal cancers in our population. India is a mouth cancer capital of world. An emerging problem today is human papilloma virus in head neck cancer, especially tonsil. HPv was known to cause cervical cancer, but today even Tonsillar Cancers are increasing due to HPv infection,” said Dr Vishal Rao - Head and Neck Surgeon. HCG Oncology.

According to a Bengaluru-based, ENT Specialist, Dr Deepak Haldipur -, there is a need to exert great vigil in diagnosis.

Head neck cancer patients are prone to develop second cancer and hence, long term follow-up is needed. Ninety per cent of oral cancers can be prevented by quitting tobacco, alcohol and betel nut.